Moveable powered table for reconfiguring space

ABSTRACT

A moveable table for use in reconfiguring living and work space has a work surface and a support for supporting said work surface at a position above floor level, and at least one wireless power transmission receiving station in said moveable table, for receiving the wireless transmission of power and enable one to charge electronic devices on said table and provide power to power receiving lamps or the like on said table, without the need for plug-in electrical wiring.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a divisional application of U.S. applicationSer. No. 14/448,319, filed Jul. 31, 2014 and entitled APPARATUS ANDMETHOD FOR RECONFIGURABLE LIVING SPACE, which in turn claims the benefitof U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/861,102, entitledAPPARATUS AND METHOD FOR RECONFIGURABLE LIVING SPACE, filed on Aug. 1,2013, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference.

FIELD AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to methods and apparatus for reconfiguringliving space. Moveable interior wall systems and so-called “MurphyBeds,” are exemplary prior art in this field.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention comprises a moveable cable having a work surfaceand a support for supporting said work surface at a position above floorlevel, and at least one wireless power transmission receiving station insaid moveable table, for receiving the wireless transmission of powerand enable one to charge electronic devices on said table and providepower to power receiving lamps or the like on said table, without theneed for plug-in electrical wiring.

The moveable table of the present invention can be used in conjunctionwith other apparatus and devices described below to facilitateflexibility in reconfiguring living and work space.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a living space containing a preferredembodiment modular living system configured to include entertainmentspace, work space and kitchen space;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the living space as shown in FIG. 1, butwith the modular living system reconfigured to eliminate the work spaceand create a dining space;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the living space as shown in FIG. 1, butwith the modular living system reconfigured to convert the entertainmentspace into sleeping space, and the dining space back into kitchen space;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the living space as shown in FIG. 1, butwith the modular living system reconfigured to include a sleeping spaceand a work space or a second sleeping space;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the living space as shown in FIG. 1, butwith the modular living system reconfigured to create another sleepingspace opposite the kitchen area, with the mobile island moved against awall and out of the way;

FIG. 5A is a perspective view of an arrangement of modular unitspositioned on one side of the moveable wall, selected to comprise anentertainment center;

FIG. 5B is a perspective view of an arrangement of modular unitspositioned on the opposite side of the moveable wall, selected to servea work area or sleep area;

FIG. 5C is a rear perspective view of an alternative embodiment moveablewall;

FIG. 5D is a front perspective view of an alternative embodimentmoveable wall;

FIG. 5E is a fragmentary perspective view showing the French cleat mountof a cabinet member to the core support;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment core support forthe wall unit;

FIG. 6A is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment core support;

FIG. 6B is a perspective view of the suspension trolleys at the top ofthe core support;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment utilizing twoseparate core support members;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a moveable wall of the preferredembodiment showing the braking system for holding the moveable wall in afixed position;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the elements of the wall braking system;

FIG. 9A is a perspective view of a lower corner of the core support witha linear actuator braking member;

FIG. 9B is the same view as FIG. 9A, with the braking foot of the linearactuator braking member extended;

FIG. 10 is a prospective view of an electrical power connector forutilization in a preferred embodiment of the moveable wall;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of yet another alternative embodiment forproviding electrical power to the moveable wall of the preferredembodiment;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment mobile island;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment mobile islandof FIG. 12 with hinged wings folded up to enlarge the top;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment mobile island ofFIG. 12 with hinged wings folded up and with the height of the topsurface adjusted downwardly.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

FIGS. 1-5 show a living space 1 having a fixed bathroom area 2, a fixedcloset or storage area 3 and an entrance way 4. The living space isequipped with the modular living system of the present invention,including a moveable wall 10 suspended from and moveable on overheadtracks 20, various modular units 12 mounted to be part of moveable wall10, a foldout support system 13 mounted in wall 10, various modularunits 12 positioned around the living space permanent walls, a couch 14,foldout queen bed 15 which folds out over couch 14, a foldout bunk bed16 (FIG. 5), and a moveable and reconfigurable island 50.

Each moveable wall unit 10 comprises a structural core support 11 towhich modular units 12, including fold down support surfaces 13, can bemounted (FIGS. 6, 7, as well as FIGS. 1-5). As can be seen from thedrawings, wall unit 10 is substantially floor to ceiling in height, withan allowance for overhead track 20 between the ceiling and the top ofwall 10. Typically, core support 11 will be at least about 8 feet tall.FIG. 6 shows an embodiment in which core support 11 is suspended fromtwo tracks 20. while FIG. 7 shows an alternative embodiment in which asingle core support 11 is suspended from each of two overhead supporttracks 20.

Each core support 11 comprises a core support frame made of a pluralityof sturdy metal frame members 11 a (FIGS. 6 and 7). The typicalthickness of the frame will be about 3¼ inch thick. When drywall 12.9 isused to cover core support the core support frame (FIGS. 5C and 5D), thecore will be about 5½ inch thick. In addition, an elongated French cleatsystem 11 b is secured to core support 11 towards the top thereof, and ascrew strip 11 c is secured to core support 11 towards the bottomthereof. Modules 12 can be suspended on French cleat 11 b and secured attheir bottom by fasteners screwed or otherwise inserted into screw strip11 c. While only one French cleat and one screw strip are shown in FIGS.6 and 7, core supports 11 could have upper and lower sets of Frenchcleats 11 b and screw strips 11 c to provide for securing modulestowards the top of core support 11 and towards the bottom thereof.

Preferably frame members 11 a comprise two side-by-side “U” channelshaving a plurality of mounting holes in the base wall of the U-channel,as can be seen in the vertical frame members 11 a in FIG. 6A, or in thespecifically labeled top frame member 11.1, in FIG. 6B. The framemembers axe connected by brackets, such as the L-shaped brackets 11 e inFIG. 6A, and with nuts and bolts.

The top frame member 11 a in core support 11 has been identified asframe member 11.1 in FIGS. 5C, 5D, 6A and 6B. Secured to top framemember 11.1 is an overhead modular unit support 11.2. It extendslongitudinally along the length of core support 11 a distance of from ⅓the length to the total length of core support 11. It projects laterallyto either or both sides of core support 11 a distance sufficient to helpkeep wall 10 vertically suspended, i.e. to keep it from angling to theleft or right of a vertical plane either when moving or when stopped. Inthe embodiment shown in FIGS. 5C, 5D, 6A and 6B, cabinetry will bemounted on only one side of core support 11, and accordingly, overheadmodular unit support 11.2 projects laterally from only one side of coresupport 11. If cabinetry units were to be mounted on both sides of core11, overhead modular unit support 112 would extend laterally from bothsides of core support 11. Overhead modular unit support 11.2 containslaterally extending frame legs 11.2 a which are secured to top coresupport frame member 11.1. Legs 11.2 a are joined to a longitudinalcross member 11.2 b at their ends. A modular unit connector frame member11.3, to which modular units are directly fastened, is joined to theunderside of laterally extending legs 11.2 a.

A trolley 21 is secured to and projects upwardly from each end oflaterally extending legs 112 a. Trolleys 21 are carried in and roll inoverhead support tracks 20. Thus in the embodiment shown, moveable wall10 is supported by four trolleys 21, one at each comer of overheadmodular unit support 11.2.

Modular units 12 can be a variety of different types of shelving,cabinets, storage units, work units including fold out work or supportsurfaces 13 and the like. A modular unit might simply be an attractivewall panel, with no purpose other than aesthetic. Modules 12 may includefold down seating, or fold down beds such as queen bed 15 (FIGS. 3-5).Although fold down bed 15 is shown mounted on a permanent wall of livingspace 1, it could be mounted on a moveable wall 10 as well. In theliving space 1 shown, the modular units 12 are chosen to create anentertainment center (FIG. 5A) on the side of wall 10 which faces couch14 and fold down bed 15. Thus, the modules 12 include a televisionmounting panel 12.1, for mounting a flat screen television, a lowercombined cabinet and shelf unit 12.2, storage cabinets 12.3 above thetelevision mounting cabinets, a shelving unit 12.4, a lower cabinet unit12.5, and a tall cupboard storage unit 12.6 (FIG. 5A). On the other sideof moveable wall 10 (FIG. 5B), modular units are selected which areuseful in a work area, including for example a module 12.7 whichincludes fold down support or work surface 13, a shelving unit 12.4 anda lower cabinet 12.5, like those used on the other side of moveable wall10. Since the work area in living space 1 may double as a sleeping area,one of the modular units 12.8 comprises pull out drawers, for clothingand/or for files or like work items. The remaining modules 12 mayinclude other types of cabinets and drawer units or the like. Ifmoveable wall 10 were positioned across from kitchen hardware andappliances such as a sink and refrigerator, modular units 12 which areuseful in a kitchen or dining area could be mounted on core support 11of moveable wall unit 10.

In the moveable wall assembly shown in FIGS. 5C and 5D, support core 11comprises not only the above described frame, but also panels 12.9covering the frame. In one embodiment, these panels 12.9 areconventional drywall panels. They are mounted on either side of, and onthe ends of, core support frame 11. The drywall panels 12.9 are finishedin a conventional manner. A fold down work surface module 12.7 a isinstalled as a unit into core support frame 11 prior to applying drywall12.9 to the rear face of core support frame 11 (see FIG. 6A). Module12.7 a may be open in the back, such that its back surface is thedrywall 12.9 located on the opposite face of support frame 11. When thedrywall panels 12.9 are applied to the rear face of core support frame11, an appropriate opening is left which leaves fold down work surfacemodule 12.7 exposed, as shown in FIG. 5C.

Fold down desk module 12.7 a comprises the fold down work surfacepivotally connected to a rectangular frame 12.7 b, which is closed inthe back by panel 12.7 d. Frame 12.7 b includes an intermediate verticalsupport member 12.7 c to which an electrical outlet 45 is mounted forfacing the open work surface and hence be accessible to a person usingwork surface module 12.7 a. Another dedicated electrical power source 62provides power to induction power unit 60 mounted in the fold down worksurface. As can be seen by comparing FIGS. 5C and 6A, a covering panelis placed over the electrical outlets, leaving an opening for outlet 45,when installation and module 12.7 a is complete.

As seen in FIG. 5D, the various cabinet modules 12 et seq. are mountedonto core support 11 over the front panel 12.9. One or more Frenchcleats 11 b, to which cabinet modules are mounted, are mounted overfront panel 12.9. French cleats may be secured to panel 12.9, as forexample by drywall anchors, or may be secured directly to underlyingframe members 11 a by fasteners passing through panel 12.9 (FIG. 5E).Preferably, the various modules 12 et seq. are unitized such thatindividual members comprising the overall cabinet assembly are supportednot only by positioning them on the French cleats, but also aresupported in a unitary manner through securement to the overhead modularunit support 11.2 (FIGS. 5D and 5E). The modular units 12 ct seq. arejoined directly or indirectly to a top wall 12 d, which in turn isconnected to overhead modular unit support. Thus, the overall cabinetassembly 12 a comprises at least two end vertical walls 12 b, and asshown in FIG. 5D, and two intermediary vertical walls 12 c, which inturn are secured to a top wall 12 d and a corresponding bottom wall notshown. French cleat 11 b passes through and helps support theintermediate vertical walls 12 c, which are slotted to allow cleat 11 bto pass through and support them (FIG. 5E). Other components of saidmodular units which are not directly connected to said top wall are thenconnected directly or indirectly to said vertical walls.

Each moveable wall unit 10 includes a brake assembly 30 (FIGS. 8 and 9)which is biased to hold wall 10 against movement Brake assembly 30comprises a braking rod 31 which is spring biased by spring 32 into anengagement with the floor. A rubber cup 33 is preferably fitted onto thebottom of brake rod 31 for engaging the floor. Brake rod 31 can beraised out of engagement with the floor through the use of either of thetwo actuator handles 34 mounted on opposite sides of wall unit 10. Eachactuator handle 34 is generally U-shaped in configuration, having a pairof legs 34 a extending out of the plane of the “U” from the top of thespaced legs of the “U.” The inwardly extending leg portions 34 a areslidably and to some extent pivotally carried in mounting brackets 35,which are secured to module(s) 12 at each end of wall unit 10. The endof at least one of the inwardly extending legs 34 a is pivotally securedto one end of an actuator link 36. Actuator link 36 is pivotally mountedto a mounting plate 37, which in turn is mounted to the core support 11.The opposite end of each link 36 is pivotally secured to braking rod 31.Thus when one pulls on or up on either of the actuator handles 34, onecauses actuator link 36 to pivot about its pivotal connection tomounting plate 37, which in turn lifts brake rod 31 out of engagementwith the floor. Also shown in FIG. 9 is an actuator 38 which can be usedas an alternative to actuator 34. Actuator 38 is an “L” shaped unithaving a leg 34 a which is mounted the same as legs 34 a of actuator 34,and serves the same function. A downwardly extending leg 38 a, acts as ahandle to be grasped, replacing “U” shaped actuator 34.

As an alternative braking mechanism, a linear actuator brake 30 a ismounted in each lower corner of core support frame 11 (FIGS. 6A, 9A and9B). It comprises a housing 33 a (cylinder as shown), and an extenderrod 34 a extending from cylinder 33 a and having a foot 35 a on its end.In FIG. 9A, extender rod 34 a is in its “up” position such that foot 35a does not engage the floor. In this position, wall 10 can be movedalong supporting tracks 20 in either direction. In FIG. 9B, extender rod34 a is extended such that foot 35 a engages the floor, holding wall 10against movement. Preferably, a remotely controlled switching mechanismis employed for braking and releasing brake 30. Also preferably,extender 34 a and foot 35 a are biased towards the braking positionshown in FIG. 9B, but can be retracted into the position shown in FIG.9A to facilitate movement of wall 10. This can be accomplished forexample by employing a solenoid operated, spring biased extender 34 a.The spring biases extender 34 a to extend and cause foot 35 to engagethe floor. The solenoid is activated to retract said extender 34 a, anddisengage foot 35 from the floor.

The specific linear actuator shown is motor driven and is remotelycontrolled. It comprises an electric motor 31 a and a gear box 32 a.Brake 30 a can be controlled by a switch mounted on wall unit 10 ordirectly on core support 11. Alternatively, a receiver can be mounted onwall unit 10, or within core support 11, which controls a power switchto brake 30 a, such that brake 30 a can be actuated by a remotecontroller.

Each wall unit 10 is electrified. Circuit wiring is earned in coresupport 11, and includes conveniently located connectors for connectingto outlets mounted in add-on modules 12. A flexible power connector 40(FIG. 10) is connected at one end to a circuit connector positioned ator near the top of core wall 11, and at the other end to a connector tothe building power system. In the alternative, a conventional cord reelunit 41 (FIG. 11) could be plugged into a building outlet in the ceilingof or near living space 1, and the moveable wall circuit connectorpositioned at the top of core support 11 could be a mate connects forplugging into the female end 42 of a heavy duty extension cord carriedon self-winding reel 43.

Flexible power connector 40 is mounted at one end to a supporting mountor platform 5 located at a level above the horizontal plane passingacross the top of wall 10 (FIGS. 5C, 5D and 6A). At the other end, it isconnected to power conduits 44, at a point above the top of wall unit 10and supporting core 11. The flexible electrical wiring 40 b carriedwithin flexible power connector 40 (FIG. 10) connect to wiring withinconduits 44, thus delivering power to wall 10. Power is distributed tothe various outlets 45, induction chargers 60 and brakes 30 a locatedwithin core support 11 and wall 10.

Flexible power connector 40 is configured to flex in only one direction.It comprises a chain made of a plurality of individual links 40 a whichare pivotally connected in such a way that they will pivot relative toone another only in one direction, and over a limited arc. Thus powerconnector 40 will flex in only in the direction shown in FIG. 10. In theother direction, power connector 40 and will resist flexingsufficiently, that it can be pushed without buckling. (FIGS. 5C, 5D and6A). From its end which is secured to platform 5, it extends away fromwall unit 10. It is then coiled back on itself, forming an arcuateportion, and a portion which extends back towards wall unit 10 and itsconnection to conduits 44. The extending portion of power connector 40will sag enough under the force of gravity, that when it is pushed, thepushing force will include a downward component in the direction inwhich the connector will not flex (other than a limited distance), andit will not buckle upwardly, or downwardly. As moveable wall 10 is movedaway from platform 5, power connector 40 will be pulled, and the arc inthe chain will move in the same direction as the wall is moving. Asmoveable wall 10 is moved back towards platform 5, power connector 40will be pushed without buckling, and the position of the arcuate portionof the chain will move further along the platform in the same directionthe wall 10 is moving.

Moveable island 50 (FIG. 12) comprises a base 51 to which casters 52 aremounted. Spaced telescoping supports 53 are positioned to projectupwardly from base 51 near each end thereof. Top 54 includes hingedlymounted wings 55 which can be folded up to extend top surface 54 orfolded down to keep it more compact. (Compare FIGS. 12 and 13.)Telescoping supports 53 support upper surface or top 54, and allow theheight of top 54 to be adjusted. As shown in FIG. 12, top 54 is at aboutdining table level. Top 54 can be raised to a higher level (not shown)to serve as a higher kitchen island work surface, or with wings 55folded up, can be lowered even further to serve as a coffee table(compare FIGS. 13 and 14).

An alternative embodiment moveable island 50 is shown in use in FIG. 2.Top 54 is in two pieces, which can be slid apart to allow insertion ofleaves 55 a. The fold up wings 55 and the use of leaves 55 a can bealternatives as shown herein, or can be used together to facilitate topenlargement. Optional rcleasably mounted storage units 56 are positionedon base 51, below top surface 54. As shown, top 54 is relatively narrow,but it could extend further towards the front and back of moveableisland 50 as seen in FIG. 12, in order to provide a wider top surface.

Moveable island 50 can be positioned as a kitchen work surface andisland as shown in FIG. 1. It can be expanded into a dining table byunfolding wings 55 or inserting leaves 55 a and is positioned as adining table as shown in FIG. 2. It can be moved to the side so it isout of the way as shown in FIG. 5.

The top 54 of moveable island 50 (FIG. 12), foldout desks surface 13(FIGS. 1 and 5B) and the top shelf of modular cabinet and shelf unit12.2 (FIG. 5A) are provided with one or more induction power stations60. Other modules 12 may also be provided with induction power stations60. Such induction power stations enable one to charge electronicdevices and light induction power receiving lamps or the like, withoutthe need for plug-in electrical wiring. In mobile island 50, inductionstation 60 is wired through top 54 and down through one of thetelescoping supports 53 to an induction power receiver 61 positioned atthe bottom of telescoping support 53, and projecting down somewhat belowbottom platform 51, so as to be positioned close to the floor of livingspace 1. Induction power stations 60 are located at several spacedpoints in the floor of living space 1 so that power can be transferredfrom a floor mounted induction station into a matching inductive powerreceiver 61 projecting from the bottom of mobile island 50. In the caseof modules 12 or fold down work surface 13, the induction power stations60 are wired to the electrical circuit corned in core support 11.

FIGS. 1-5 illustrate some of the ways that living space 1 can bereconfigured using the preferred embodiment modular living system of thepresent invention. In FIG. 1, moveable wall 10 has been rolled alongtracks 20 by releasing braking rod 31 of brake system 30, so as to bepositioned to divide the working space into an entertainment areaincluding a couch 14 on one side of moveable wall 10, and a working areaincluding fold down work surface 13 with a desk chair positioned at iton the other side of moveable wall 10. Moveable island 50 is configuredas a kitchen island workspace.

In FIG. 2, foldout work surface 13 has been folded up and out of theway, and mobile wall 10 has been pushed back against the adjacentpermanent standing wall of living space 1. This creates a largerentertainment area, and also allows one to expand mobile island 50 intoa dining table and move it into a better position for use as a diningtable for entertaining guests, as has been shown in FIG. 2.

In FIG. 3, mobile island 50 has been reconfigured and repositioned as akitchen work surface island, and a fold down queen size bed 15 has beenfolded down and over the top of couch 14. Mobile wall 10 remains pushedtightly against the standing wall so as to create a rather largesleeping area with queen size bed 15 facing the entertainment centerwhich has been configured on one side of mobile wall 10.

In FIG. 4, mobile wall 10 has been moved into position closer to bed 15,thus making the sleeping area somewhat smaller. This allows the spacebehind moveable wall 10 to again be used as a work area, oralternatively allows one to create a second sleeping area. This can beaccomplished by mounting fold down bunk beds onto the permanent wallopposite moveable wall 10. FIG. 5 shows such a fold down bunk 16, thoughin FIG. 5, it is positioned opposite the kitchen area.

Of course, it is understood that the foregoing are merely preferredembodiments of the invention and that various changes and alterationscan be made thereof without departing from the spirit and broaderaspects of the invention.

1. A moveable table comprising: A work surface and a support forsupporting said work surface at a position above floor level; at leastone wireless power transmission receiving station in said moveabletable, for receiving the wireless transmission of power and enable oneto charge electronic devices on said table and provide power to powerreceiving lamps or the like on said table, without the need for plug-inelectrical wiring.
 2. The moveable table of claim 1 comprising: Saidwork surface being a height adjustable work surface, with a sufficientrange of height adjustability that it can be positioned at coffee tableheight, dining table height or counter top height.
 3. The moveable tableof claim 2 comprising: said wireless transmission receiving stationcomprising an induction power system extending from the floor level ofsaid table to said work surface, such that when said moveable table ispositioned over any floor mounted induction sources, said inductionpower system in said moveable table is activated and induction power isaccessible at said work surface of said moveable table.
 4. The moveabletable of claim 1 comprising: said wireless transmission receivingstation comprising an induction power system extending from the floorlevel of said table to said work surface, such that when said moveablecable is positioned over any floor mounted induction sources, saidinduction power system in said moveable table is activated and inductionpower is accessible at said work surface of said moveable table.
 5. Themoveable table of claim 1 comprising: said wireless transmissionreceiving station comprising an induction power system extending fromsaid work surface to an external surface of said table, such that whensaid moveable table is positioned adjacent another surface whichincludes an induction source, induction power system in said moveabletable is activated and induction power is accessible at said worksurface of said moveable table.